In collaboration with The D-Word, I will be giving a practical four-part series on modern distribution and marketing for independent film.
A Four Part Distribution Workshop by Jon Reiss/8 Above
The “traditional” distribution landscape is essentially gone – 99% of independent filmmakers are now on their own to find new and creative solutions to ensure their films reach audiences in an impactful way. In collaboration with The D-Word, I will be doing a four part virtual workshop where I will outline fundamental principles and real-world strategies for success in the ever-changing and often-daunting realm of distribution and marketing.
Taking place from April 23-May 21, the live sessions will take place on Zoom on Thursdays between 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm EDT. They will also be available as recordings to registered participants through June 30.
Fee: Early bird (through April 3): $224. Regular (April 4 until full): $299.
Paid 8 Above Substack members get an additional $50 off. Code below.
Modules
Session 1: Establish Goals, Identify Audiences: Set goals. Explore how the brand of the film and your brand as a filmmaker interact. Identify core and niche audiences.
Live Zoom Session: Thursday, April 23 from 12:00-1:30 pm EDT.
Session 2: Connect with Your Audience: Dive into strategies and tactics for reaching your audiences including social media, email lists, organizational outreach and partnerships, publicity, influencers and paid advertising. In other words: Owned, Shared, Earned and Paid Media.
Live Zoom Session: Thursday, April 30 from 12:00-1:30 pm EDT.
Session 3: Distribution Paths: Four main paths: Event/Theatrical, Digital, Educational, Merch. Focus on various potential split rights and windowing of distribution paths for your film including festivals, community screenings and theatrical; digital rights for broadcast, streaming, and VOD; educational distribution and merch!
Live Zoom Session: Thursday, May 7 from 12:00-1:30 pm EDT.
Session 4: Budgeting and Office Hours: This final session will include guidance on how to budget for different types of releases and more time for participant questions
Live Zoom Session: Thursday, May 21 from 12:00-1:30 pm EDT (a second session at a different time that day may be arranged based on participant timezone preferences).
All session recordings will be available until June 30.https://jonreiss.substack.com/p/four-week-workshop-how-to-create